Jennifer Lopez on Chemistry With Leading Men and ‘Spider Woman’ Role

Jennifer Lopez shared insights on her identity as a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, noting her ability to ignite chemistry with diverse co-stars in her films.

“I can easily fall for anyone,” the 56-year-old actress quipped during the October 8 episode of Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang’s “Las Culturistas” podcast. “That’s perhaps not the best thing to say, but my essence as a romantic draws me to love in general.”

Rogers commended Lopez for her unmatched ability to connect with various leading men, from Matthew McConaughey to Ralph Fiennes, citing her roles alongside them in The Wedding Planner (2001) and Maid in Manhattan (2002), respectively.

Lopez expressed that her passion for love transcends past projects and extends to her latest movie, Kiss of the Spider Woman, which she describes as a celebration of love.

“I’m capable of having that chemistry with a variety of individuals,” she stated. “I can connect with the essence of someone, getting to know who they are inside, and fall for that person, even if it’s just between action and cut.”

One of her notable past on-screen partners was ex-husband Ben Affleck, whom she met during the filming of Gigli in 2003. Their romance blossomed into an engagement that later dissolved in 2004. Nearly twenty years later, they rekindled their relationship, got engaged once more, and married in 2022, only for Lopez to file for divorce in 2024.

Despite their separation, Lopez and Affleck have maintained a cordial relationship. This week, they came together at the premiere for Kiss of the Spider Woman. Although there was speculation about a potential reconciliation, their dynamic remains friendly—Affleck attended to support his production company’s involvement with the film.

In Kiss of the Spider Woman, Lopez takes on three personas: Ingrid Luna, Aurora, and The Spider Woman. The plot follows a prisoner named Valentin (Diego Luna) as he narrates the story of a beloved Hollywood musical featuring his favorite actress, Ingrid Luna. (Aurora and The Spider Woman are characters found within this fictional narrative.)

Yang inquired about Lopez’s perspective on the chemistry depicted between her character and Luna’s, especially given that his character resonates deeply with her essence.

“His character admires [her] and wishes to emulate [her], depicting her as the ideal woman. In this film, she embodies a siren, which is remarkable,” Lopez reflected. “Interestingly, I found that I relate most strongly to Ingrid Luna because she embodies the entertainer in me, as opposed to the others.”

Lopez particularly cherishes the musical number “Where You Are,” which Yang labeled a “showstopper.”

“That’s where I invite him, saying ‘Join me. Let’s escape together. Let’s drown into this song, movie, world. Forget the prison, just be with me and let’s enjoy ourselves,’” she explained. “I’ve had countless experiences where someone tells me, ‘This song helped me through,’ or ‘This film inspired my aspirations.’ The continuity of our exchanges means they see my resilience; but what they often overlook is that he saves her as well.”